‘You are indeed very fair-skinned’. The comment that naturally came
out from the impression of his ramyun CF after meeting Park Yoochun.
Apart from that, though filled with curiosity and desire to know, he is
currently not yet tied down to a fixed image. As an actor, no matter
what work he is getting ready to draw out, he will always give a
‘whitish’ impression. (T/N: clean image i.e.) Between the
youthful smile and the manly shoulders, there was no clear definition of
the immaturity and maturity. However after the last episode of SBS’s
‘Rooftop Prince’, he is no longer the new canvas that needs to be
painted on. Putting aside the portions where he is capable of
completing, this new actor was able to create scenes immediately where
veterans might not be able to do so. The last scene, incident and story
was able to bring upon the future development resulted from the past.
Even so, Park Yoochun still remain as ‘white’ and not other colours. The
‘pure white’ thinking he possessed is just like a night of snowfall, it
quietly covers up the inadequate footsteps and used its deep and solid
power to fine-tune its weapon.
Amongst the singer-born new actors, to grade Park Yoochun’s distinct
acting with an objective view, is his way of narrating without the
correct answers to convince the judge. To actors, if he is unhappy with
the technique after training, it shows that though his acting is of a
beginner status but as an actor who takes on the character convincingly,
Park Yoochun is one who is amazingly able to find a fast track and
understand the theory naturally. Be it in Lee Sun Joon of KBS
‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ or Song Yuhyun of MBC ‘Miss Ripley’, he presented
the result within the boundaries. With his refreshing acting, the
viewers are able to feel the ‘motherly-love’ for these characters even
if it forbids the common worldly concerns. Park Yoochun’s acting
convinced the viewers and made them acknowledge the improving drama.
However to those who are unable to understand this point, the criteria
for reviews of Park Yoochun’s portrayal of characters and works, would
also definitely be different. Han Ji Min’s comment of “He is
unexpectedly a good actor” is obviously a compliment but on the other
hand it is also a kind of mandatory game. Overthrowing these prejudices,
we will realize there are no ambiguous reviews against Park Yoochun.
Agreement or disagreement, it all depends on the person’s point-of-view.
To the viewers, rom-com ‘Rooftop Prince’ is a way to understand Park
Yoochun’s acting style and common supporting point. The many aspects of a
drama, such as probability and theory, the digestion of a character and
tempo etc, could be the underlying reasons for a failure. However the
time-traveling eternal love theme was completely portrayed. One
brilliancy is able to overcome the rest of the inadequacy. Not only
this, for the important love story, the whimsical plot and popular lines
were made alive by the actors. Lee Gak’s love was displayed through
Park Yoochun’s gaze, Park Yoochun’s voice and Park Yoochun’s
wholehearted portrayal. The speed and supporting points of both actors
and the highlights of the work were on par, bringing light to the last
scene of the 20th episode with accumulation of strength throughout the
lengthy filming.
“I already felt the writer’s sincerity when I was reading the
script,” Park Yoochun’s true words aren’t just for formality. The
determination to become an actor who can display a variety of 120
degrees is very convincing and trustworthy. Understanding the character
with freedom and at ease, and coupled with the prerequisites that no one
else had, the anticipation for Park Yoochun increased.
Therefore Park Yoochun is the new actor that makes one flustered and
yet the hope that make people anticipate. Meeting at a convergence
point, exerting the same strength. And lastly, abandoning the plain
water-like greenness and the mystery of new snow falling, wishing for a
future filled with curiosity.
The determination to present an actor of 120 points
A lot of self-reviews used for his own acting is, ‘Natural’ and this
is one of the noteworthy point. Through the scripts, he naturally felt
its charisma, naturally blend in with the character and naturally
answered his co-actors’ acting. To him, being natural is neither the
returning of living realistically nor a way of straightforward acting.
It is a way of truly understanding the character’s behaviour and totally
taking in the work. It is not a complex drawing to understand the
characters, but through ‘the weighing of Lee Gak’s sincerity and
firmness’ to determine the combination of both or to decide ‘If it would
be better to recede from the character Lee Gak and to impersonate Yong
Tae Yong through Lee Gak’s acting”. A natural conclusion from such a
process. Park Yoochun who took an unique route and reached the
destination, gaining points in this war. If he were to take his route
the ‘theoretically-correct’ way through guidance from the satellite, he
would probably be not be as free and be tied down for the next war.
Received a lot of consolation from ‘Rooftop Prince’ Lee Gak
The scene is still as though it is yesterday. The filming of the
drama started at the same time as JYJ’s overseas concert tour, together
with the settling of the pain from father’s passing, it seems naturally
that he came back for filming till the end of the whole drama. Just like
a child, only towards the ending of the drama schedules did we see the
exhausted look on Park Yoochun. But just like a lie, at the start of the
story of the drama, Park Yoochun also started a new life. He smiled to a
room of reporters and jokingly said, “Ah, it was something interesting,
that’s why I said it.” He also enthusiastically revealed the funny
episodes that happened and then said that wasn’t true. The personality
where he would indulged in for something interesting. Be it on stage or
the talent as a genius in drama, it is not a grand all-kill technique.
That energy to attract all attention, it can be felt throughout the
interview venue. The happiness throughout the drama filming and the
conversation with cheerful Park Yoochun who smiled while chit-chatting,
though it was such simplicity, his straightforward answers made it all
so truthful.
- Can you tell us your thoughts after the drama filming ended?
As the drama was decided in a live-shoot system (T/N: film as they broadcast),
it’s worth celebrating to complete 20 episodes successfully. When I
read the scripts for episode 19 and 20, I can sense the writer’s
sincerity towards his wife who passed away very well and it helped me a
lot in my acting. Therefore I did wonder if it was due to this reason
that the viewers’ ratings was able to take a turn for the better in the
end.
- Are you very happy that the ratings had a very good ending?
I, myself, was not too concerned with the ratings. From my point of
view, maybe it’s because I injected a lot more love into this work than
the others. And I was touched from this work itself, and also was very
happy that this work was able to complete well.
- What’s your reason for choosing this piece of work?
Simply, that it is interesting. As the script is interesting, I did
not even read about the character’s analysis. Just from the the two
episodes of scripts that I took, I read it over lunch and felt that Lee
Gak is a very charismatic character. That very night I decided to act in
this piece of work and started filming right after that.
- There was not enough time to prepare before filming, so you seems to have a hard time with Lee Gak’s accent?
The decision was done just 4-5 days before filming thus it was very
urgent. Rather than coming up with Lee Gak’s personalised accent, I am
in a situation where I needed a change. Because, if we’re to continue
maintaining Lee Gak’s Joseon crown prince image in front of others, it
won’t be able to relay well to viewers the feeling of detachment from
modern Seoul. From Lee Gak’s point of view, while constantly thinking of
the remoteness and fear, the change will happen naturally. Everytime he
will meet with people who speaks modern language, this situation will
made him feel very awkward.
- The collaboration with other co-actors made you naturally
have the accent. Though there were changes to the accent, in order to
create the comedic effect with the trio, Lee Gak has to maintain this
sincerity.
Regarding those, as there was no time to discuss with them
beforehand, therefore the effects can only be created on the spot
through mutual cooperation while filming. While rehearsing, emotions can
be controlled. Especially during the 1st two episodes, due to those
parts, the filming duration was extended. However because of the good
collaboration with the trio and good adaption to Lee Gak, thus there was
no sense of uneasiness. After getting used to it, the adaptation with
Lee Gak also got better.
- In the end, Lee Gak was not over-shadowed by the trio gang.
And thus “three-generations extermination”-like script lines appeared,
making its comedic effect. The joint forces of two different genres –
drama and comedy, how do you adjust it?
Regarding the genre, it was not differentiated on purpose. Just
simply drawing out Lee Gak’s sincerity and stern image. Therefore I have
never thought of whether is it due to the situation that makes it funny
or Lee Gak’s acting that is comical. Because I always think of myself
as Lee Gak, no matter if it’s for preparation for the situation or for
better adaptation into the character.
- Han Ji Min mentioned in an interview that, “Park Yoochun
did not calculate a lot about his acting, he is a good actor” and I’m
not calculative about how much he can do.
In fact during all the drama filming, there would be situations
whereby some things can or cannot be done, or when sleep is not enough
but you still have to familiarize yourself with the script. Under such
circumstances, one has to use that instantaneous force to carry on
filming. If, for example, under such circumstances and without any
calculation, then that good result would be from collaboration between
actors. In order to get good feedback from the live broadcast, we were
helping each other’s acting with everyone focusing.
- In order for that instantaneous force, focus is mandatory.
During the beginning of the drama, JYJ was having concert tour too, and
other issues such as the traffic accident or personal matters. It seems
tough for you to put yourself in completely for the filming.
During the previous drama MBC’s ‘Miss Ripley’, I was still
unwillingly under the pressure from KBS’s ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’. I felt
the pressure in the beginning and slowly my self-confidence diminished.
Therefore, I did think of giving up in the midst of filming, but I
overcame that in the end. I ‘planted’ that problem after all. Therefore,
my burden for this drama was lightened. I did not really have the
determination to do it really well. To the extent that I did not even
think of the ratings. I just naturally got myself indulged in the drama.
It’s the best this way.
- Due to the saeguk part in the beginning, others might
compare this with ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’. Honestly, it aroused curiosity
as to whether you are able to shake off that drama’s image.
Lee Sun Joon and Lee Gak seems to be two complete different
characters due to the difference in status, therefore, no doubt believed
they have the same character image. Because of such thinking, I felt at
ease. But no matter Lee Sun Joon or ‘Miss Ripley’ Song Yuhyun, I used a
gentle tone for the lines. At first I had wanted to grasp the ambiance,
however, I felt that it’s not good enough for a stern ambiance. Thus, I
adjust the strength of the tone and to the extent of breathing
practice. As for the tone ending, I focused on it and this way, it’s
closer to being Lee Gak.
- While establishing the leader image, you have to face the
impact of crown princess’s death right in the beginning. Was it
difficult to get into the character’s emotions?
(No,) On the contrary, it felt more convenient. Upon knowing crown
princess’s death, I just had to use anger and grief. This kind of
portrayal is in fact easier. After that, at the same time with the
arrival in Seoul, the emotions turned complicated. Even when meeting the
reincarnated Se Na. But, right after acting, I’m not sure if it is due
to the lessening of stress, even when I felt difficult, I was still able
to go through with my acting calmly. Burden was lessened too, and so
turning acting into an enjoyment.
- You said on Twitter that you anticipate the character Lee
Gak and wrote thankful notes. Did the indulging in the troubles of
acting relieve all the other troubles that you had?
This too. It’s not as if emotions can come as quickly during filming.
In fact, the return to the filming site after my father’s funeral was
not an easy thing. But there were too many scenes of mine and there’s
the responsibility that I shouldn’t give up this piece of work that I
chose, therefore, I felt that I should return to the filming site. At
the same time I was troubled. How am I supposed to smile with my
feelings at that time? However, when I reached the filming site, there
were people who consoled me and those who worried that I would feel
burdened if they consoled me and thus tried to talk to me as per usual. I
gradually returned back to my normal life and started to relieve my
heavy heart. It was only after the drama ended that I realised I
received so much consolation from the actors and staff through the
character Lee Gak. Even for those who accidentally consoled me, every
single thing became a consolation to me.
- I know you shed a lot of tears during the last filming.
Though it was from Lee Gak, there should be tears from Park Yoochun’s
feelings, right?
Though during the period of time the camera was working, I teared as
Lee Gak totally, but during the last scene filming, it was chaotic on
the scene. Suddenly as Yong Tae Yong, and suddenly, “Yoochun-ah, go
change your clothes and come!”, “Yes!”, and then quickly changed into
Lee Gak and filmed again. It was such situation that there was no time
to get into the character totally. Everyone just want to watch the
broadcast quickly (laughs). Nonetheless, during the last moment, I did
tear up as Park Yoochun.
- There were many explanations for the ending. What’s your interpretation?
It’s 100% Yong Tae Yong. Though I felt that he would not have any
memories of Lee Gak, but if we’re to differentiate Lee Gak and Yong Tae
Yong too much, it would be too desolate for the rest of Park Ha’s life.
Therefore, I hope to leave a bit of reincarnation feel. It’s the same
when Yong Tae Yong and Park Ha met at the cafe, the script described it
as “totally unrecognizable”. But after communication with the director,
the feeling changed a bit. Therefore, though Lee Gak’s look was an
imagination, it relayed the feel of this work through something
realistic. If your beloved one left, you will never see him/her again.
Therefore, the term ‘reincarnation’ represents the deep-hearted
yearning, pain and sadness. These could be the reason why I didn’t cry
while acting as Yong Tae Yong but as Lee Gak.
- Not only the last scene, in the later half of the drama,
the different portrayals of Yong Tae Yong, Lee Gak who impersonates Yong
Tae Yong and Lee Gak were pretty excellently done.
Due to the consideration on how to portray these parts, it seems even
more interesting. It ended up helping in establishing Lee Gak’s
character. After becoming Lee Gak well, it seems effective for the
display of Lee Gak impersonating Yong Tae Yong. However, during the
portrayal of Yong Tae Yong, due to the insufficient time, Lee Gak who
has to continue impersonating, had to keep up with the modern way of
speaking. With the new problem arising, Lee Gak who is impersonating
Yong Tae Yong did not seem indifferent while talking to Tae Mu. Thus,
wearing of spectacles became the way to differentiate the two. Meeting
up with Park Ha was also the way to relate the two. Wearing the
spectacles will be Yong Tae Yong and removing it will be Lee Gak, it has
to be differentiated. Impersonating Yong Tae Yong under such whirlwind
circumstances, it looks like there should be a way to represent the (Lee
Gak and Tae Mu’s) opposition. The soul was not able to be filled up
well, therefore it was kind of regretful. I did consider adding the
action of pushing up spectacles but as the photoshopped photo of
‘Detective Conan’ was circulating, I gave up in order not to let others
think that I am mimicking (laughs).
- It seems that due to the plot, you are to express it as per
your wish. As compared to previous works, your acting this time was
shown without restrictions. Was it due to love?
I really felt a lot of happiness in this work through a freer
performance. No description but just script lines, it ended my desire to
further understand how to unleash myself. Director trusted me and hoped
that I can release it all out. I later on realized again the joy of
performing. As it was not known in a structured way, I felt even more at
ease. In fact besides the scripts and even after broadcast, a lot of
chances were made and therefore there were a lot more ad-lib
performances. Especially in the scenes where I met with the trio gang,
the ad-lib performances were over-flowing.
- Though the things experienced were different as an actor,
they are experiences not felt as a singer, as all along you are
presented as a group on stage.
As a singer, there were times where I can freely display while
standing realistically on stage, especially when it was enjoyed as a
group with the members. However, the condition to enjoy this kind of
free situation was insufficient. As I was able to remove the desire to
other regions at that time, I was very happy. Realising that in order to
exert so freely, I needed life experiences after all. When an actor
starts to be into his character and hooked up with his life experiences,
it’s as though the portrayal can be retrieved (from experiences)
easily. The scene at the pond where I was carrying Park Ha and shouting,
I actually experienced that before, thus I was able to display it out.
This is a work where I can relay many incidents with my own feelings. I
felt quite lucky regarding this, it’s like a blessing as an actor.
- You like the way you can perform and breathe freely as an
actor and thus worked very hard for this. I’ve heard that you made
efforts to create a happy environment at the filming site.
Making effort to finish a thing in order to reach the target, and
then returning back to the filming site and felt the responsibility. As I
passionately love it, it naturally turned out that way. I have to visit
70-80 filming sites in a week and thus cannot find where I belonged. I
did think of being more relaxed and not so restrained, therefore I
became closer with other actors and thus don’t have to be too careful
and mind-straining. And also other actors took great care of me and
trusted me. We helped each other. Especially Han Ji Min nuna, she
accepted my ad-lib performances during rehearsals and trusted me.
Because of her, I was able to act out naturally and thus shared my view
on Park Ha’s character. Under such situation, it was able to lead Lee
Gak.
- The accumulation of that trust, was there a common ground that you shared?
I did not feel anything during rehearsal for that scene at the ending
of episode 19, but after looking at how Ji Min nuna reacted, all my
emotions rushed up at once. I am originally the kind who would not even
cry while watching a melodrama movie. But after looking at nuna at that
moment, I thought a lot and at that moment, I felt that it was the same
feeling I had when I let my father slip away and felt very very sorry.
With such pain, I unknowingly teared. I used to not able to cry at such
scene. While filming in such emotions, even though (I) was disappearing
but yet smiled saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay”. Holding each others’
hand, still able to hear each other but hands and body were vanishing,
the lost feeling when the person vanished with the wind. I was supposed
to focus right when the hands starts vanishing and at the same time I
kept thinking, if I am able to relay the correct feeling with such
reactions. At that time I really felt the joy of good acting an actor
can perform.
- During the filming of this drama, you are able to cry along
with your growing responsibility. It seems to become your merit and at
the same time discovery of many precious moments.
Ah, this… this is not a merit. I think the scene where I am even more
satisfied is the scene where I first kissed Park Ha. Lee Gak teared at
that moment. Many people were astonished and so were the staff at that
scene. However, I felt that the confession from Lee Gak to Park Ha was
unlike a pair of usual couple where one had a crush on the other for a
long time. It was the decision to give up Joseon, it’s the determination
to be together and yet do not know how to express it. I think this is
the reason why I decided to tear.
- You said in the past interviews that you hope to act a
character engaging in a psychological-war. Good acting is to train you
to be even more professional. As compared, it doesn’t seem to be a bad
idea.
Developing strength and receiving strong points, therefore, I wish to
act a more multifaceted character. I am still having the desire to act
an extreme character like a psycho-killer. Maybe it’s because I enjoyed
the acting this time and thus began to worry for the choice of the next
work. I am now still searching for a good pivot point and it seems
troubling. But I will overcome this extreme difficulty. It would be of
great help to me if I find the answer.
- So, what theme would be good for your next choice of work?
I personally am okay with a character that is younger than 20 years
old, I still want to act in those pure innocent crush or sad love drama.
But as I age, I would want to be like those outstanding veterans who
would not give a care about the make-up or the focus of entry. Just the
skill of acting will do. Though it’s a moment of acting that you all
saw, it was actually an outright performance by someone. I want to be
100% like that, no, 120%. To be such a person is my target.
- You reap what you sow. It seems that you will get a big
return in this year’s award show. It will be great that you receive the
new actor award from the three broadcasting company. (smiles)
I feel so happy at the thought of being able to sit together with
fellow actors during the award show. After the filming ended, due to
other schedules, I have been busy and was able to meet up with Tae Sung
hyung for a while only. It’s a pity that we are not able to meet
frequently. It will be such a joy to gather everyone together. I am
already starting to anticipate.
In conclusion, this work is convincing.
This is as though overseeing an amateur golfer putting his first ball
into the hole. From technical parts like enunciation, vocal, breathing
to acting route etc. Though Park Yoochun is still a new actor, his
resume can not be hidden. His attitude is different too. As his way of
‘hitting’ (the ball) has not yet matured, you have no idea when he will
hit the ball into the sand pit. He is such a player that worries those
who are watching. However, he is an experienced professional who would
not yield to others’ command and is someone who put aside the
competitiveness to enjoy the competition. Maybe at times Park Yoochun
was unable to finish some technical things, but gained his victory from
the viewers through sensibility. If we’re to scrutinize the lines and
script, the trouble when Lee Gak just ‘time-travelled’ from Joseon to
Seoul and the palpitating emotions when falling in love with Park Ha,
all were sufficiently relayed. Although he was not an outstanding actor,
he was an actor who display outstanding acting, different from actors
who develop at a normal pace.
Source: 10asia
Photo Credit: shelter_6002
Credit: Micky Baidu Bar
Translated By: rachui@sharingyoochun
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